Bringing together museum-quality artwork, accomplished artists and dedicated collectors for nearly four decades, the 39th Annual Sears Invitational Art Show & Sale is set to open soon at the Sears Art Museum on the Utah Tech University campus.
The exhibition will kick off with a Gala Opening Reception on Feb. 13 followed by a public exhibition and sale running through March 28. This year’s show will feature approximately 230 works by more than 170 artists from across the American West, offering a wide-ranging and dynamic survey of contemporary regional art.
“This is our only fundraiser and an exciting time of year at the museum,” James Peck, director and curator of the Sears Art Museum, said. “Some of the very best and brightest artists from Utah and beyond showcase new works here every year. The invitational consistently creates a buzz of excitement among artists and collectors both locally and throughout the region.”
Organizers received 1,115 submissions for inclusion in the 39th annual invitational. Participants were selected from across the American West, with priority given to those working in Utah, Idaho, Colorado and Nevada. The final exhibition reflects both depth and diversity, featuring work by established artists such as Martin Blundell, Alexander Selytin and Larry Winborg alongside a new generation of emerging artists.
Visitors can expect a broad range of styles and media, including landscapes, still lifes, Western scenes, contemporary realism, sculpture, ceramics and photography. Together, these works offer a snapshot of artistic practice in the American West today. For the third year in a row, the exhibition and sale are accompanied by a full-color exhibition catalog, available for purchase for $25.
The Sears Invitational was founded by Robert N. Sears (1915–1995), a retired vice president of Phillips Petroleum, who believed Southern Utah should have consistent access to high-quality visual art. With continued support from Peggy Sears and Utah Tech University, his vision has grown into a cultural cornerstone and a reliable winter-season anchor for St. George’s arts calendar.
Proceeds from art sales directly support the operation and programming of the Sears Art Museum, helping sustain exhibitions, educational initiatives and community engagement throughout the year.
The Sears Art Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the invitational. Tickets for the Gala Opening Reception and information about future calls for artists are available at www.searsart.com.